How to Apply at UKZN for 2027 Online – Complete Application Guide

It is once again application season for the upcoming academic intake, and we are here to guide you through the process of applying to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), a leading public research university with five campuses across the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The application window for the 2027 academic year officially opened on March 1, 2026. UKZN welcomes all prospective students who wish to further their studies to submit their applications within the prescribed period.

When to Apply

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will officially close the 2027 application season according to the following deadlines:

• Medicine: 30 June 2026
• All other qualifications: 30 September 2026

Late Application Period

The university may accept late applications after the general closing date, subject to the availability of space in the selected programme. Please note that all late submissions will incur an additional application fee.

Who Qualifies to Apply to UKZN

The 2027 application cycle is officially open, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) welcomes applications from all qualified and interested candidates, including:

• Domestic and international students
• Transfer students
• Undergraduate applicants
• Postgraduate applicants
• students with a gap year

All prospective students who meet the admission requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

Qualifications Offered

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers a wide range of academic programmes, including:

• Higher Certificates
• Diplomas
• Bachelor’s Degrees
• Honours Degrees
• Postgraduate Diplomas
• Master’s Degrees
• Doctoral (PhD) qualifications

These qualifications are offered across the following colleges and schools:

College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science

• School of Engineering
• School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences

College of Health Sciences

• School of Health Sciences
• School of Medicine

College of Law and Management Studies

• Graduate School of Business and Leadership
• School of Commerce
• School of Law

How to Apply

Returning undergraduate students, gap-year students, all local postgraduate applicants, and both undergraduate and postgraduate international applicants must submit their applications directly to UKZN.

All first-time South African undergraduate applicants are required to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). All payments and supporting documents must be submitted directly to the CAO.

Required Supporting Documents (Where Applicable)

Please ensure that you upload the following documents as part of your application:

• A certified copy of your ID or passport.
• A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric), O/A Levels, or any other relevant school-leaving qualification.
• For international applicants: Proof from Universities South Africa (formerly HESA) confirming eligibility for admission to degree studies at South African universities. Refer to the undergraduate prospectus for further guidance.
• If you have previously studied at another tertiary institution, you must also submit:
  • Certified copies of your degree certificate(s)
  • A full academic transcript
  • Proof of financial clearance
  • A certificate of conduct from the institution
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants from non-English-speaking countries.
• SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) evaluation certificate if your previous qualification(s) were obtained from institutions outside South Africa.
• A research proposal or proposed dissertation/thesis title if you are applying for a Master’s or PhD programme.

Note: Ensure that all documents are certified and clearly legible before submission to avoid delays in processing your application.

How to Apply Directly to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

If you are a returning undergraduate student, gap-year student, postgraduate applicant, or international student, you must apply directly to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and not through CAO.

Follow these steps:

• Go to the official UKZN website and click on the “online application.”

• Register with a valid email address.
• Create a password.
• Log in to access the application portal.
• Fill in your personal details.
• Select your qualification and programme of study.
• Provide your academic history.
• Ensure all information is accurate before proceeding.
• Upload certified copies of required documents aforementioned
• Review your application carefully and click Submit.
• You should receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.

Application Fee Requirements for UKZN 2027

All postgraduate and international applicants, internal transfer students (currently registered at UKZN and wishing to transfer to another qualification), and returning former UKZN undergraduate students must pay the prescribed non-refundable application fee directly to UKZN.

Proof of payment must be uploaded during the application submission to complete and finalize the process.

Application Fees:

• South African (on-time applications): R210
• International applicants (SADC and other African countries): R490
• International applicants (outside Africa): $530

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply using their Grade 11 results or Grade 12 June/trial examination results. If the minimum entry requirements are met, the institution may issue a conditional offer of admission.

However, a final offer is subject to:

• Maintaining consistent academic performance
• Meeting all minimum programme requirements
• Achieving the required results in the final NSC (National Senior Certificate) examinations

Once final matric results are released, selection is based primarily on the Admission Point Score (APS).

It is important to note that meeting the minimum APS requirement does not automatically guarantee admission. Entry into programmes is competitive and based on ranking, available space, and overall applicant performance.

How APS is Calculated

APS is calculated using six NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation:

• English (Home Language or First Additional Language)
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• The next best four subjects (excluding Life Orientation and Maths Paper 3)
• Performance levels (1–8) are added together.
• No bonus points are awarded for extra subjects.
• If a required subject is not included in the APS calculation, the score may be adjusted